New Delhi [India], December 14 (ANI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 108 million results-based loan to assist the Government of Mizoram in strengthening its public healthcare system and advancing universal health coverage for the state’s residents.
The Supporting Public Health Care System Strengthening to Achieve Universal Health Care for Mizoram Programme aims to ensure equitable access to affordable, high-quality health services for Mizoram’s 1.38 million population, with a focus on women, older adults, and persons with disabilities.
“This programme will help the state roll out its new Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), which brings all citizens under one health insurance umbrella comprising subsidised and contributory mechanisms,” said ADB Country Director for India, Mio Oka. “By integrating existing Central (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) and state government (Mizoram State Health Care Scheme) programmes into a seamless, cashless, and paperless platform, the state ensures that poor and vulnerable populations receive free coverage while improving access to quality care.”
Mizoram becomes the first Indian state to implement this type of reform in its universal health care system. Under MUHCS, families can receive coverage of up to Rs 500,000 annually, with costs fully borne by the state for poor and vulnerable households. Other households contribute a premium, while government employees pay a fixed portion of their salary.
The programme also addresses the state’s high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and cancer, which account for over 50 per cent of Mizoram’s disease burden, alongside heightened vulnerability to health risks from extreme weather events. Environmental adaptation measures, including awareness campaigns and disaster preparedness, will be integrated into health services.
MUHCS will link primary healthcare services with secondary and tertiary care facilities, ensuring a continuum of care for timely and comprehensive treatment. The programme will additionally strengthen the capacities of the Mizoram Department of Health and Family Welfare, primary care units, and the Mizoram State Health Care Society, which are responsible for implementing the scheme.
Founded in 1966, ADB is a leading multilateral development bank owned by 69 members, 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth through innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships.
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